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Native American Portrait of Petalsharro

Artist

Charles Bird King​

Date of Work

c. 1822

Type

Portrait

Native American Portrait of Petalsharro

Native American Portrait of Petalsharro (Generous Chief) by Charles Bird King

Petalsharro (Generous Chief), a Pawnee, is shown here in a portrait made during his visit to Washington. The great chief wears the warbonnet made of eagle feathers that he wore at the White House on New Year's Day in 1822. Around Petalsharro's neck hang necklaces made of trade beads and a "peace medal" with President Monroe's profile on it. The medals were given as a gift to remind the Indians of America's authority over them. Native American chiefs had visited presidents since they came to see George Washington. Rarely did their conversations result in keeping peace.